Makeup for the Office: Dealing with Fluorescent Lighting

I'm convinced that whoever invented fluorescent lighting had a very personal vendetta against me. I hate it. It's yellowy hues casts a greenish, blue light over my skin making me look tired and sick. It's harshness brings out every line and crease. Clearly, fluorescent lighting is an evil tool designed to make me look my worst.

Unfortunately, fluorescent lighting is pretty much everywhere you go: in workplaces, doctor's offices, malls, you get the idea. Aside from starting a world wide petition to remove all fluorescent lights from the world, what can you do? You can combat that icky lighting and kick it to the curb with a few makeup tips and tricks.

1. Ditch the stark black eyeliner and opt instead for a soft natural look with brown. Pull a Minka Kelly (left) and not a K Stew (right). The brown is less harsh under the scrutiny of flourescents. The hard lines created by black liner can be too stark.

Lines are magnified in flourescent lighting and this can age you or make your skin look drier than it is. When it comes to blushes and highlighters, instead of going with powders that can settle into your lines, go with a cream or liquid. This will give your skin the appearance of smoother and more hydrated skin. A highlighter will also give you a glowing fresh face. Remember that it's also important to keep hydrated during the work day!

L'Oreal Paris High Intensity Pigments Bright Shadow Duos (C$10.39)Floruescent lighting casts an icky blueish glow over your face. So warm up your skin by using tones of peach, soft pink and warm browns. At the same time, you'll want to avoid any shades that are too bright or too cold. Beiges and taupes for instance won't work in your favour.

4. Bronze with caution You want a healthy glow, but underneath those office lights, a well meaning sun kissed glow can turn into Oompa Loompa territory. Steer clear of powders that have too much shimmer or are too cool. Try instead and take a cue from Ms. Kardashian and stick with blushes, then add some subtle touches of bronzer.

Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer (C$30.00)Your foundation can cake and settle throughout the day. If possible, go for a lightweight and sheer product and use concealers instead. I also suggest trying out a BB cream for extra moisture.

Kin K looks great either way.. lol... she makes a cute oompa loompa....and Minka would be hotter than Kristen with no make up on and Kristen fully done up. She is not that great any day or any amount of products.